Democrats' downfall

Only the Democratic Party could snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. In most elections, the winner takes all. But the Democrats' capitulation to Jesse Jackson and affirmative action means that delegates are apportioned by vote totals, making it easier for a minority candidate to win delegates. Just based on Super Tuesday's results in the five big states -- California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey and Massachusetts -- Hillary Clinton should have had 644 delegates to Barack Obama's 103. Instead, they virtually split the total.
Just when Democrats should be coalescing around a nominee, that's what Republicans are doing. And this interminable campaign, which started well over a year ago, drains donors and attention spans, so instead of saving for the general election, Democrats are still raising funds for primaries. Republicans are now filling their coffers for McCain.
Here's the Democrats' dilemma: While trying to bend over backward to give minority candidates a boost, they undermine the strength of the first minority candidate with a shot at the White House. In a fair election, it's winner take all. Democrats should change their rules and let a winner emerge.